Teen considered gassing Metro passengers, court hears

Metro.

Karon Kelly

Published:13:55Friday 24 July 2015

A teenager accused of plotting a mass murder spree blamed his former college for his “miserable life”, a court heard.

Liam Lyburd, who had a weapons arsenal including bombs, a gun, ammunition and knives, is claimed to have been just hours away from carrying out a spree killing at Newcastle College when he was arrested on November 3 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he had also considered stabbing and gassing passengers on the city’s Metro system.

The 19-year-old, of Hamilton Place, Newcastle, who was also known as Felix Theodore Burns, has admitted possessing pipe bombs, explosive devices, a glock pistol and ammunition but denies he had an intention to cause harm with the items.

Jurors have heard a document headed ‘Newcastle College’ was found on Lyburd’s Toshiba laptop after his arrest.

In the note, which he had attempted to delete, Lyburd blamed the college, from which he was expelled in 2012, for the state of his life and vowed revenge.

He claimed the college had made him “look a fool” and rejected him ‘for nothing’.

The note, which was read in full to jurors, said: “I will see you in Newcastle College today. It is my first day back since 2012, the year in which my life became miserable after being kicked out for nothing.

“I get all my power back today hahaha.

“I am just looking forward to getting out of the house after spending three years in my bedroom alone :(

“I hold no grudge against Newcastle College. Sarcasm!!!

“I hold them personally responsible for me miserable life. Kicking me out for nothing and making me look a fool by not answering my messages on Twitter and on Facebook.

“You people ruined my whole life don’t expect me to show mercy today.

“No-one disrespects me and gets away with it, I’ll teach you people a little lesson on respect with my 9mm jacketed hollow points.

“ITS TIME FOR EXTREME CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, Fantasy will become reality today for sure. ‘Where the mind goes the body will follow’ and yes people will die theres no question about that.

“It is funny to think, as I am writing this that people will die, are walking round as is everything is normal, not knowing they’re going to die today.

“It is a beautiful thought.

“Death is termination of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.”

As well as the note and other files, a graphic movie clip showing a two-and-a-half minute seance from a film about a spree shooting was found on the computer.